In Hindu religious texts, Pawanputra Hanuman ji is considered a symbol of incomparable strength, dedication and devotion. Be it the story of Ramayana or the Ram-Ravana war, Hanuman ji’s role has been decisive at every important juncture.
Even great warriors could not stand before his courage and bravery. But there are some such incidents in religious stories and folk beliefs, where Hanuman ji had to respect religion, dignity and spiritual strength more than his own power. Among these, the stories of three warriors remain the most discussed.
Machhindranath: Strength pales in comparison to the power of Yoga.
According to the folk tales related to Ramayana, Machhindranath was a great accomplished yogi and ascetic. Once he reached Rameshwaram and was overwhelmed to see the Ram Setu built by Lord Shri Ram. After this, while taking bath in the sea, he became engrossed in the devotion of Ram. At that time Hanuman ji was present there in the form of a monkey. It is said that he decided to test Machhindranath. He caused heavy rain and himself pretended to be a monkey building a cave on the mountain. Machhindranath explained to him that arrangements for a safe place should be made before the crisis occurs. On this, Hanuman ji decided to test his strength and challenged him to a fight. According to the story, there was a fierce battle between the two, but Hanuman ji’s strength proved ineffective in front of Machhindranath’s proven yoga powers. Ultimately this conflict ended with the intervention of Vayudev. In many folk tales it is described as the defeat of Hanumanji.
Meghnad: One who tied Hanuman with Brahmastra
One of the most famous incidents described in Ramayana is when Hanuman ji reached Lanka in search of Mother Sita. In Ashoka Vatika, he challenged Ravana’s army and killed Ravana’s son Akshay Kumar. Angered by this incident, Ravana sent his most powerful son Meghnad to capture Hanuman ji. Meghnad used Brahmastra during the war. Hanuman ji had received many divine blessings, hence Brahmastra could not cause any real harm to him. Yet he allowed himself to be influenced by the Brahmastra to maintain its dignity and respect. For this reason, Meghnad was successful in capturing him and taking him to Ravana’s court. Although later Hanuman ji shook the whole of Lanka by showing his power, but this incident is counted among those rare incidents when he was stopped.
Luv-Kush: In front of whom Hanuman did not raise his weapon
This incident is related to Ashwamedha Yagya of Lord Shri Ram. When the Yagya horse reached the forest area, Luv and Kush, sons of Mother Sita, caught hold of it and accepted the challenge. After this the war started between Shri Ram’s army and Luv-Kush. According to the stories, Luv-Kush defeated Shatrughan, Lakshman and many brave warriors. When the situation became serious, Bharat, Sugriva and Hanuman ji also reached the battlefield. When Hanuman ji saw the amazing bravery of both the children, he was surprised. After meditating, he came to know that both of them are the sons of Lord Shri Ram and Mother Sita. After knowing this, he did not consider it appropriate to fight a war and stood calmly. It is described in the stories that Luv-Kush also attacked him, but Hanuman ji did not retaliate. This is not considered their defeat, but a symbol of respect for religion and dignity.
Was Hanumanji really defeated?
If seen from a religious point of view, these three incidents are interpreted in different ways. Somewhere importance has been given to the respect of Yoga Shakti, somewhere to the dignity of Brahmastra and somewhere to reverence for the sons of Shri Ram. Therefore, most of the scholars consider these incidents not as the actual defeat of Hanuman ji, but as an example of religion, dignity and humility.